Fentanyl has become a massive threat in the United States, but what is fentanyl? The drug is a powerful synthetic opioid that is used medically to treat severe pain, such as pain from surgery. The drug is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than
morphine. It is also used recreationally as an illicit drug and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). As a result, the narcotic has high potential for abuse and addiction.

Consequently, the illicit drug is available in several forms, including as a pill or tablet, powder, transdermal patch, lozenge,
and even a nasal spray. The synthetic opioid is also sometimes mixed with other drugs, such as marijuana (weed), heroin,
cocaine, xylazine (tranq, zombie drug) and others to increase their potency. This practice, known as “cutting” has led to a significant increase in fentanyl overdose deaths.

What is Fentanyl & Why It’s Causing a Public Health Concern

Fentanyl has been a growing public health concern due to its role in the opioid epidemic that has taken hold of the United States and many other countries across the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl and other synthetic opioids were involved in nearly 31% of opioid overdose deaths in 2018. Scarier, over 50,600,000 pills were seized, and over 10,800 pounds of powder was seized by the DEA in 2022. These seizures represent more than 379 million deadly doses*. Fentanyl is now the largest killer of Americans aged 18 – 45.

The drug is used for severe pain, it is important to note that fentanyl should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare provider and with strict adherence to the prescribed dosage. Notwithstanding, misuse of the drug can lead to severe side effects, including respiratory depression, coma, and death. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to opioids, it is essential to seek help from a qualified healthcare professional immediately.

SoRite DECON eradicates fentanyl in 60 seconds. Unlike other decontaminants, SoRite DECON uses a low concentration of Sodium Chlorite, making it safer to use without protective equipment and achieving the lowest toxicity category.

*2 milligrams of fentanyl equates to a potentially deadly dose.